Wednesday, July 3

Nail that Accent! Summer's Most Irresistible Nail Colors and Trends

Chances are you look at the rows of gorgeous nail polish colors in stores this Summer and you're tempted to wear them all at once.  While I don't recommend doing that, amid the barrage of totally "out-there" nail art are some simple, chic ideas in every imaginable design and color.  Bright colors and sparkly finishes are an accessible form of nail art.  Contrast is the name of the game so mix and match your metallic polish with matte neons and neutral colors. 













Not feeling all the stickers, studs, and stripes?  A simple, more appropriate way to rock the nail art-trend is with just one tip painted a different shade from the rest.  Or try a two tone, reverse French manicure. 

Here's a look at some power couples.  If you're not sure what to pair together, pick two contrasting hues or textures, like coral and green or metallic and opal.







Really embrace Summer and go avant garde with graphic designs and ombre patterns.




Get instant recognition in "notice me" neons

Essie
Bouncer It's Me

Essie
Bottle Service







 






Essie
Come Here


Essie
Shake Your $$ Maker

Essie
DJ Play That Song












 



Dior Le Vernis
Incognito

Essie
Madison Ave-Hue

Essie
Saturday Disco Fever

 













My favorite Summertime duo: Glossy, creamy lilac looks playful on toes, while punchy matte coral looks cool on fingers.

Givenchy Le Vernis
Croisiere Mat Orange
and Croisiere Purple

Make some waves in the season's shimmering shades of aquamarine, which are reminiscent of the sea. 


Chanel Le Vernis
Azure

Essie
In the Cabana

Dior Le Vernis
Samba
   
 












 All That Glitters: Add some extra magic and texture with sparkles.
  
Zoya Pixie Dust
Stevie
Zoya Pixie Dust
Miranda




Zoya Pixie Dust
Solange

Zoya Pixie Dust
Liberty
















Zoya
Beatrix
  

Sally Hansen
Bling-tastic
Sally Hansen
Be-jeweled




Dior Le Vernis
Princess

Shine in Mirrored Metallics: These statement making lacquers say it all.


Essie
Blue Rhapsody
Essie
Penny Talk












Essie
No Place Like Chrome

Essie
Nothing Else Metals

Essie
Good as Gold

 


 







Tuesday, July 2

Mediterranean Flair

     Even if you can't escape to Morocco or the southern tip of France, add a little Mediterranean vibe to your Summer wardrobe with embroidered tunics, beaded statement necklaces and bags, and printed sun dresses.  Check out these exotic-meets-eclectic fashions for some travel inspired prints that are definitely not for the faint of heart.



Tory Burch

Tory Burch







Tory Burch


Tory Burch
Tory Burch













Tory Burch



Tory Burch
Tory Burch













Tory Burch


J Crew
Tory Burch














Tory Burch




Tory Burch

Tory Burch













Tory Burch

Tory Burch
Tory Burch












Tory Burch

Tory Burch
Tory Burch

J Crew


J Crew

J Crew


J Crew


Tory Burch
Tory Burch


Tory Burch



Tory Burch

Tory Burch











J Crew


Monday, July 1

Tea Time: This Season Hit the Sweet Spot in Tea-Length Dresses


Oscar de la Renta

        If you're looking to add a little romance to your life try a tea-length dress.  Time to give the mini and maxi skirts a rest because the prim, yet proper and most fashionable hemline of all is back.  This classic 50s style has made its comeback with a retro-meets-modern take.  Tea-length frocks—which fall anywhere below the knee and above the ankle—are sweet, sophisticated, and totally on-trend this season. 

The sumptuous and sensuous appeal of these full skirted dresses is found in everything from lace to organza to florals.  The trumpet hem and unusual length on these dresses can give your cocktail looks a fun, flouncy kick.  Less fancy than ballgowns, but more festive than mini dresses, tea-length frocks are ideal formal wear for women who like things a little demure, yet thoroughly modern.  

Tea length dresses and skirts with a little volume at the bottom are good for ladies with a boyish figure. This hemline is very feminine as it shows off the right curves, without giving away too much.   Anyone can pull off a sexy ensemble, but why not switch it up and go for a ladylike frock?

This season forgo the super-short threads in favor of classic silhouettes and longer hems for an instantly demure look.  Try a style similar to this Dolce & Gabbana dress with an abbreviated length and sweetheart neckline, which keeps the tulle skirt and poofy shape from looking too precious.



Or choose a body-skimming ensemble, like this one from Alexander McQueen.



Whether you choose a bustier-and-bell-skirt number or opt for a long and lean silhouette, the tea-length trend is cup of tea.


Oscar de la Renta

Zuhair Murad

Christian Dior

Christian Dior

Oscar de la Renta

Zuhair Murad

Blumarine

Blumarine

Oscar de la Renta

Zuhair Murad

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta
Honor

Honor

Honor